Nectarine tree named `Honeylicious`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 
     1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth. 
     2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit. 
     3. Fruit having a high degree of attractive red skin color. 
     4. Fruit with a mild, sweet, low acid flavor and excellent eating quality. 
     5. Fruit with firm, yellow flesh with good handling and shipping quality.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Honeylicious’

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofnectarine tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of nectarine trees, which are known to us,and mentioned herein, ‘Honey Royale’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.12,008), ‘Honey Gem’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,836), ‘HoneyLite’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,400) and our non-patentedproprietary nectarine seedling selections ‘228LP484’ and ‘52LD434’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica)was originated by us in our experimental orchard from seed of a firstgeneration cross between the non-patented proprietary nectarine seedling‘228LP484’ and ‘Honey Gem’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,836). Thenon-patented nectarine seed parent (228LP484) originated from a crossbetween our non-patented proprietary nectarine seedling ‘52LD434’ and‘Honey Royale’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,008). We planted andgrew a large number of these first generation seedlings on their ownroot system and under close and careful observation we recognized thedesirable tree and fruit characteristics of the preent nectarineseedling and selected it in 2007 for additional asexual propagation andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed byus in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and showsthat reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristicsof the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted throughsucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new variety of nectarine tree is of large size, vigorous,upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of large size, yellowflesh, clingstone fruit. The fruit is further characterized by having amild, sweet, low acid flavor with excellent eating quality. Incomparison to its seed parent ‘228LP484’ nectarine (non-patented) thefruit of the new variety is larger in size. In comparison to its pollenparent ‘Honey Gem’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,836) the fruit ofthe new variety ripens approximately 24 days earlier. In comparison tothe commercial variety ‘Honey Lite’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No.18,400) the fruit of the new variety is larger in size and isapproximately 39 days later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 6 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofnectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observationsof 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color inaccordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and            width for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with            different cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 meters in height the first            growing season. Varies with soil type, fertility and            climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            necessary for desired market size fruit. Number of fruit set            varies with climatic conditions during blooming period.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 4 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self fertile.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape by            removing center branches and foliage to allow more sunlight            to center of the tree to enhance fruit color and health of            fruit wood.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 1000 hours at or below            45° F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 50.8 cm at 20.3 cm above            ground on a 6 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 6/2 to 5Y 5/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 15.0 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 31 in a 25.8 square cm area.            Average length 2.7 mm. Average width 1.6 mm. Color varies            from 10YR 5/8 to 10YR 5/10.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/6. Old            growth varies from 7.5YR 2/4 to 10YR 3/2, varies with age of            growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 102.9 mm. Average width 34.4            mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surface glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 9.4 mm. Average width 1.5 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Surface glabrous. Color varies from            5GY 6/10 to 5GY 4/8.        -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — small to medium. Average            length 1.0 mm. Average diameter 0.7 mm. Number varies from 3            to 7, average number 5. Located primarily on the base of the            leaf blade and upper portion of petiole. Color varies from            5YR 3/4 to 2.5GY 5/6.        -   Stipules.—Average length 9.0 mm. Margin — pectinate. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/8.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/4 to 7.5GY 3/4. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 4/4. Midvein color            varies from 2.5GY 7/4 to 5GY 7/4.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 17.6 mm. Average diameter 11.1            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Plump, conical, becoming elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Size — small. Average length 2.6 mm. Average width            1.5 mm. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/8. Surface —            glabrous.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 7/10 to 7.5RP 7/8.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Mar. 4, 2013. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 14, 2013, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average height 21.9 mm. Average diameter 45.5            mm.        -   Petals.—Number — normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals.            Average length 21.8 mm. Average width 18.9 mm. Form —            orbicular. Arrangement — overlapping. Margin — sinuate.            Color varies from 5RP 8/4 to 7.5RP 7/4, fades with age of            flower. Both upper and lower surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Number — normally 5, alternately arranged to petals.            Size — large. Average length 6.7 mm. Average width 5.4 mm.            Shape — ovate. Margin — entire. Surface — upper surface            glabrous. Lower surface pubescent. Color — upper surface            varies from 5GY 5/6 to 7.5R 3/4. Lower surface varies from            5R 2/4 to 7.5R 2/4.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 41. Average filament            length 16.1 mm. Filament color N 9.5/ (white) to 5RP 8/6 as            flower ages. Anther color varies from 7.5R 3/10 to 5Y 8/8.        -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 2.5Y 7/10 to 5Y            7/10.        -   Pistil.—Normally one. Surface — glabrous. Average length            18.5 mm. Position of stigma approximately 1.4 mm below            anthers. Color varies from 10Y 8.5/6 to 10Y 8/6.        -   Fragrance.—Moderate aroma.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/4 to 5RP 7/6.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average number 1.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.1 mm. Average width 1.5 mm.            Surface — glabrous. Color 2.5GY 6/8.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 9, 2013.        -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 19, 2013, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 70.0 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 73.8 mm. Average weight 224.4            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Some fruit with slight suture, extends from base to            apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Smooth to slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Rounded to slight tip on some fruit.        -   Base.—Flat to slightly rounded.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 6.9 mm. Average diameter 6.2 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 8.3 mm. Average diameter 3.0 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 10Y 6/8 to 7.5YR 4/2.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Good, comparable to other commercial varieties.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Excellent.        -   Flavor.—Excellent, good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Heavy amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 12.9°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 37.8 mm. Average width 27.6 mm.            Average depth 13.0 mm. Color varies from 5R 4/8 to 5R 4/10.        -   Color.—Varies from 5Y 8/8 to 5Y 8/10 with 7.5R 4/12 on flesh            around pit.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Pubescence.—Wanting.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 8/6 to 5Y 8/8. Overspread            with 7.5R 3/8 to 7.5R 4/12.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Large. Average length 36.8 mm. Average width 26.6 mm.            Average thickness 23.9 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 1.2 mm.        -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from round to            elongated.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, narrow ridges extending from base            toward apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 5R 3/1 to 5YR 5/8 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 16.1 mm. Average width 12.5 mm.            Average depth 7.5 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin.—Color varies from 2.5Y 8/8 to 2.5Y 8.5/8.-   Use:    -   -   Dessert.—Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage at 38° to 42° for    three weeks without internal breakdown or appreciable loss of    flavor.-   Shipping quality: Good, minimal skin scarring or bruising of flesh    during picking and packing trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program. The present new variety of    nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may    vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural    practices under which the variety may be grown. The present    description is that of the variety grown under the ecological    conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially asillustrated and described.